Marcus Garrett

Born on November 9, 1998, Marcus Garrett is a professional American basketball player with a story embedded with dedication, resilience and perseverance. Having switched his primary focus from football to basketball at a young age, Marcus went on to have a successful college basketball career, later playing in the NBA G League for the Greensboro Swarm.

Marcus’ journey as a sportsman began when he was just four years old, demonstrating his inclination towards sports and his competitive spirit. Growing up, he was a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball, soccer, baseball, and football. This diverse exposure honed his athletic abilities, and despite his interest in football, a major injury pushed him onto a different trajectory. He made the tough decision to quit football following a right leg fracture in the sixth grade.

Pivoting to basketball, Marcus was coached by his uncle Matt Watts, a former San Diego State basketball player. His intense basketball training commenced in eighth grade when he joined Swag House, Watts’ Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team. Playing against high school juniors and seniors, Marcus quickly proved to be a formidable talent.

Attending Skyline High School in Dallas, Texas, Marcus grew from 6’2″ as a freshling. In his senior year, he had a breakthrough season, averaging 17.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 3.1 steals, and 2.9 blocks per game. With his excelling performance, he led the team to the Class 6A state semifinals and was honored as the Texas Gatorade Player of the Year. Marcus was a highly rated four-star recruit, ranking among the top Texas prospects in the 2017 class.

Choosing Kansas over other colleges like Texas and Baylor, Marcus commenced his collegiate basketball career at Kansas University. His freshman year saw him averaging 4.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 19.2 minutes per game, predominantly playing as a defensive specialist. As he transitioned into his sophomore year, an improvement in his decision-making capacity earned him increased play time. Overcoming a high ankle sprain setback that led to a six-game absence, Marcus ended the season with the Big 12 All-Defensive Team title, having averaged 7.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.

In his junior year, Marcus set a career-high record, achieving 24 points embellished with six three-pointers, five rebounds, seven assists, and four steals in a triumphant match against Oklahoma. His averages for the year were 9.2 points, 4.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. He was deemed Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and featured in the third-team All-Big 12 entirety.

As a senior, Marcus averaged 11 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, landing him in the Second Team All-Big 12 and the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. Following his successful college career, Marcus decided to enter the NBA draft in 2021, thereby forgoing his extra year of college eligibility.

After the 2021 NBA draft, Marcus joined Miami Heat for the NBA Summer League, later signing a two-way contract with them. However, due to an unfortunate wrist fracture, Marcus was waived off from the team. Following recovery, he trained with Sioux Falls Skyforce and went on to sign with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg of the Basketball Bundesliga and the Champions League, although he didn’t play for them, eventually joining Greensboro Swarm instead.

Marcus Garrett is a testament to resilience and determination, known for his defensive prowesses and his ability to rise from setbacks. Despite challenges and injuries, this talented player has demonstrated his enduring talent and skill in the competitive world of professional basketball.